Biology - Cell/Molecular Focus

UW-Superior Biology Program provides a broad foundation in all aspects of biology. The Biology majors who focus on Cell/Molecular Biology study basic life processes at the molecular level. Through learning in the classroom, laboratory training, and research experience, they are engaged in asking and answering questions about fundamental molecular processes. Courses in this focus expose students to a variety of techniques and areas of study, and also provide opportunities for independent research. Students who focus on Cell/Molecular Biology often go on to graduate, medical or professional schools, or work in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industries.

Degrees and Majors

Biology, with a focus in cell/molecular biology

Let's talk Cell/Molecular Biology

Numerous opportunities to gain experience in laboratory work and research. Our alumni report a high level of satisfaction in their level of preparedness for their work or graduate school.

Small classes and labs provide opportunities to work one-on-one with faculty members.

On campus research opportunities that focus on experimental evolution and molecular taxonomy allow students to use recombinant DNA techniques, polymerase chain reaction, site-directed mutagenesis, DNA sequencing, and genomic analysis in their research. Other areas of research will be added as new faculty join our department.

Students are also encouraged and assisted in obtaining summer research internships at other universities and at the Environmental Protection Agency.

Biology majors are eligible for Swenson Scholarships that pay for up to four years of tuition and books. Other scholarships also are available.

What can you do with a degree in Cell/Molecular Biology from UW-Superior?

Graduates from this concentration often go on to graduate, medical or professional schools, or work in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industries.

Alumni Highlights:

Ben Okemwa (Biology , 2008) is currently employed as a biologist at Covance, a Madison, WI biotechnology company.

Elise Lamont (Biology, 2006) is currently a graduate student in the Comparative and Molecular Biosciences Program at the University of Minnesota.

Diane Anderson (Biology, 2006) is currently in her second year of medical school at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She writes, "UW-Madison Genetics major classmates [in medical school] were jealous of the skills we were taught in the UW-S labs."

Current Student Highlights:

Juliann Morinville (Biology and Broadfield science) had an internship during the summer of 2007 at the Stanford University Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine under the supervision of Dr. Renee Reijo Pera (Biology 1983). She plans on continuing her education by pursuing graduate training in microbiology after she graduates.

Andrew Toth (Biology and Chemistry) had a research internship at North Dakota State University during the Summer of 2008, and with Dr. Ralph Seelke at UW-S during the summer of 2007. He plans on pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemistry or Biochemistry after he graduates.

Laramie Rapp (Biology) had a research internship during the summer of 2008 with Dr. Patricia Scott from the Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the UMD Medical School. She plans on pursuing a Ph.D. in Cell and Molecular Biology.

We invite you to visit

A campus visit offers an opportunity to tour our campus and meet with an Admissions counselor. We can arrange for you to meet a professor and visit a class in any area you choose.